Category: Statistics

Chaos. 2025 Jul 1;35(7):073124. doi: 10.1063/5.0274274.

ABSTRACT

We explore the behavior of statistical complexity as a possible indicator of the crossover between classical and quantum behaviors in thermodynamic systems. Using the López-Ruiz, Mancini, and Calbet statistical complexity measure C, along with the disequilibrium D, we analyze both the ideal and van der Waals gases as they approach regimes where quantum statistics become significant. We find that C reaches a well-defined maximum at a characteristic temperature Tc in all cases considered. Interestingly, the numerical value of C at this temperature is the same across these models. While the underlying reason for this behavior is not yet fully understood, it suggests that statistical complexity may capture structural changes in the system’s phase space that are associated with the emergence of quantum effects. The shift of Tc in the van der Waals case, depending on the excluded volume parameter b, reflects the influence of interactions on this crossover behavior. These results indicate that C might serve as a useful proxy for detecting the changes in the statistical structure of many-body systems as they transition from classical to quantum regimes.

PMID:40658929 | DOI:10.1063/5.0274274

Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2025 Jun 25. doi: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000003602. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In most patients, a soft tissue sarcoma is sporadic and not related to a specific known cause; however, demographic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may be linked to its development. Alcohol consumption, a major risk factor for oncogenesis, has increased, particularly among females, and it might be a risk factor for soft tissue sarcoma, with potential differences in the association based on the biological differences between males and females. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research data to determine the association between alcohol consumption and soft tissue sarcoma. Because soft tissue sarcoma often has poor oncologic and functional outcomes once it develops, identifying controllable factors for prevention would be beneficial.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Is there a dose-response association between overall alcohol consumption and the incidence of soft tissue sarcoma? (2) Are there associations between the amount of alcohol consumption per occasion and drinking frequency with the incidence of soft tissue sarcomas?

METHODS: This was a retrospective, population-based comparative study using the National Health Insurance Service database, which offers large-scale data from a relatively ethnically homogeneous Korean population, along with comprehensive health information. The database includes demographic, socioeconomic, health checkups, social behavior surveys, and claims data. We screened 4,234,415 people 20 years or older who underwent health checkups in 2009. Soft tissue sarcoma was defined as ICD-10 codes C47 or C49 and the registration code for cancer (V193), with at least two outpatient claims or more than one inpatient claim per year. Among the screened individuals, we excluded 7% (286,384) because of incomplete data, and we excluded 0.02% (198) with soft tissue sarcoma diagnosed before the index year. To better explore the association, we excluded 0.2% (10,088) of patients who died or developed soft tissue sarcoma in the index year. Finally, we included 3,937,745 participants (2,148,348 males and 1,789,397 females) and followed them until December 31, 2020 (mean follow-up 10 ± 1 years). The mean daily alcohol consumption was calculated using the drinking frequency (number of days per week) and the mean amount consumed on each occasion (the number of glasses [8 grams of ethanol per glass]), based on the concept of a standard drink in Korea. Based on the ethanol consumption, alcohol drinking levels were divided into three categories: individuals who did not drink, those who drank < 30 grams per day of ethanol, and those who drank ≥ 30 grams per day of ethanol. The soft tissue sarcoma incidence was calculated by dividing the number of events by the total person-years of follow-up. To address our primary study question, which was about the association of soft tissue sarcoma incidence and overall alcohol consumption, the analysis model was adjusted for age (years), smoking status (nonsmoker, past smoker, and current smoker), regular exercise (yes versus no), and metabolic syndrome (yes versus no). To address our secondary outcome, which was about associations between the amount of alcohol consumption per occasion and drinking frequency with the incidence of soft tissue sarcomas, alcohol consumption was divided into drinking frequency and amount of alcohol intake per occasion. Among the participants, 969 (males n = 550, females n = 419) were diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma during the follow-up period, resulting in an incidence of 2.43 (males 2.55, females 2.30) per 100,000 person-years. To identify a monotonic dose-response association, we considered not only the statistical significance for individual exposure groups, but also the overall consistent directional trend in association across all groups.

RESULTS: Compared with the individuals who did not drink (reference), alcohol consumption was not associated with an increased incidence of soft tissue sarcoma in overall participants who drank < 30 grams per day and those who drank ≥ 30 grams per day of ethanol (adjusted HR 1.05 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9 to 1.22] and adjusted HR 0.92 [95% CI 0.70 to 1.21], respectively; p = 0.58 among three groups) or in males who drank < 30 grams per day and those who drank ≥ 30 grams per day of ethanol (adjusted HR 0.84 [95% CI 0.70 to 1.01] and adjusted HR 0.75 [95% CI 0.56 to 1.00], respectively; p = 0.17 among three groups). In females, compared with individuals who did not drink (reference), soft tissue sarcoma incidence increased in those who drank < 30 grams per day and those who drank ≥ 30 grams per day of ethanol (adjusted HR 1.51 [95% CI 1.20 to 1.9]; p = 0.01 and adjusted HR 2.48 [95% CI 1.17 to 5.27]; p = 0.06, respectively). Although a drinking frequency of 1 to 2 days per week was associated with increased risk of developing a soft tissue sarcoma (adjusted HR 1.61 [95% CI 1.27 to 2.04]; p = 0.003), the HR did not increase with higher drinking frequency across all four groups (adjusted HR 1.21 [95% CI 0.66 to 2.200; p = 0.88 for 3 to 5 days and adjusted HR 1.46 [95% CI 0.47 to 4.56]; p = 0.60 for 6 to 7 days, respectively). However, for females consuming 3 to 4, 5 to 7, and ≥ 14 glasses per occasion, the adjusted HRs were 1.51 (95% CI 1.07 to 2.13; p = 0.09), 1.73 (95% CI 1.16 to 2.58; p = 0.06), and 3.70 (95% CI 1.37 to 9.98; p = 0.03), respectively, and the HR tended to increase with higher consumption levels per occasion across all six groups (adjusted HR 1.30 [95% CI 0.94 to 1.81]; p = 0.09 for 1 to 2 glasses and adjusted HR 1.73 [95% CI 0.81 to 3.68]; p = 0.38 for 8 to 13 glasses).

CONCLUSION: This nationwide population-based study demonstrated a tendency toward a dose-response relationship between the level of alcohol consumption and the incidence of soft tissue sarcoma among females. These findings suggest that strategies for individuals vulnerable to alcohol-related complications could be considered. These strategies might include campaigns, education programs, and policy interventions; social guidelines to reduce alcohol consumption may be warranted, and alcohol consumption may be considered as a screening factor for soft tissue sarcoma. To clarify whether there is a causal relationship, further research is required on the mechanisms through which alcohol consumption and drinking patterns may contribute to the development of soft tissue sarcoma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

PMID:40658922 | DOI:10.1097/CORR.0000000000003602

J Nurs Care Qual. 2025 Jul 9. doi: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000891. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant concern in cardiac surgery.

PURPOSE: To characterize clinical and perioperative factors associated with the absence of deep SSIs in a cohort of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.

METHODS: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted, analyzing data from 214 patients between August 2023 and June 2024. Perioperative care measures included adherence to an established cardiothoracic SSI prevention bundle, consisting of preoperative chlorhexidine gluconate bathing, preoperative nasal decolonization, intraoperative antibiotics, and intraoperative and postoperative glycemic control.

RESULTS: Adherence to the prevention bundle varied (82.7-98.6%). A statistically significant difference in postoperative glycemic control was observed between elective and urgent surgery cases.

CONCLUSION: This study’s findings highlight the potential effect of rigorous protocol adherence and the critical role of standardized nursing care in SSI prevention. Future research to optimize patient care and outcomes during and after CABG surgery is recommended.

PMID:40658920 | DOI:10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000891

Crit Care Explor. 2025 Jul 14;7(7):e1290. doi: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000001290. eCollection 2025 Jul 1.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: While corticosteroid administration in septic shock has been shown to reduce vasopressor requirements and accelerate shock reversal, the optimal discontinuation strategy remains unexplored.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess whether rates of hemodynamic instability differ among patients with septic shock undergoing abrupt hydrocortisone discontinuation compared with gradual tapering.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective cohort study conducted in five medical and surgical ICUs at a tertiary care hospital, involving adult patients (≥ 18 yr) with septic shock who received at least 48 hours of stress-dose hydrocortisone (≥ 200 mg/d).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was hemodynamic instability, defined as vasopressor reinitiation during tapering or within 72 hours of hydrocortisone discontinuation. Secondary outcomes included dysglycemia, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay, and mortality.

RESULTS: Patients were grouped based on their hydrocortisone discontinuation strategy into abrupt and gradual tapering groups. A total of 414 patients were included in this evaluation. Gradual tapering was associated with higher rates of hemodynamic instability (29.2% vs. 12.9%; p < 0.001), more frequent dysglycemia (59.4% vs. 43.1%; p < 0.001), longer hydrocortisone use (9.9 vs. 4.1 d; p < 0.001), and extended mechanical ventilation (20 vs. 15 d; p = 0.014) and ICU stay (23 vs. 17 d; p = 0.008). Total hydrocortisone duration was the strongest independent predictor of post-discontinuation hemodynamic instability, regardless of strategy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.083; 95% CI, 1.025-1.145; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: While abrupt hydrocortisone discontinuation was associated with fewer ICU-related adverse events, hydrocortisone duration was the primary factor influencing hemodynamic instability post-discontinuation among patients with septic shock. Prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal discontinuation strategy in septic shock.

PMID:40658883 | DOI:10.1097/CCE.0000000000001290

J Chem Inf Model. 2025 Jul 14. doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c01652. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cause of cancer in women and the most common kind of cancer diagnosed with a high mortality rate. This heterogeneous disease is classified into multiple subtypes based on the expression of key biomarkers, including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR). These biomarkers have significantly transformed breast cancer treatment and played a crucial role in improving the patient prognosis. Given the complexity of BC, there is a pressing need to develop additional therapeutic agents and pharmacological targets. To address this, network-based gene expression profiling has emerged as a valuable method for identifying potential therapeutic targets, as it considers various factors such as disease conditions, gene expression levels, and protein-protein interactions We began our analysis by employing statistical methods, including p-values and false discovery rates (FDR), to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as potential biomarkers in breast cancer (BC). A total of 123 DEGs were identified, with 101 genes showing downregulation and 11 genes exhibiting upregulation. Survival and expression analyses indicated that each hub gene plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of BC. An enrichment analysis revealed that most of these genes are integral components of various signaling networks. Additionally, we identified key kinases and transcription factors that regulate the proteins involved in protein-protein interactions (PPIs) associated with the DEGs. From this analysis, we also deduced potential pharmaceuticals that could interact with these hub genes. Notably, HMOX1 (Heme Oxygenase 1) emerged as a particularly promising hub gene based on our computational analysis. Promising novel compounds were investigated, resulting in high potency of binding affinities through docking and simulation investigation. The molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated significant stability of the anticipated compounds, especially the top2 complex system at the docked site. The significant binding affinity between the chemical and the binding pockets of HMOX1 complexes was confirmed by the calculation of binding free energies using MMPBSA and MMGBSA followed by hydrogen bond analysis. Hence, these findings significantly enhance our understanding of critical biomarkers in breast cancer.

PMID:40658875 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jcim.4c01652

Dent Med Probl. 2025 May-Jun;62(3):537-545. doi: 10.17219/dmp/174298.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The effect of the macrogeometry of dental implants with double trapezoidal threads on the probability of survival and the long-term success of oral rehabilitation is unclear.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of dental implant macrogeometry on the probability of survival, failure mode and strain distribution of an implant-abutment set.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dental implants were divided into 2 groups according to their macrogeometry (n = 21 per group): trapezoidal thread (control group); and double trapezoidal thread (test group). The macrogeometry analysis was performed with the use of computed microtomography (n = 1). The specimens were subjected to single load to failure (SLF) (n = 3), which permitted the step-stress profiles for design-based step-stress accelerated life testing (SSALT) (n = 18). The probability of survival and reliability for a mission of 50,000 cycles were calculated at 100 N and 150 N. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the failure mode of the implant-abutment set. The digital image correlation (DIC) (n = 3) was performed using the implant-abutment set embedded in a polyurethane resin subjected to a static load of 250 N in axial and non-axial positions.

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups with respect to the probability of survival. All groups showed a reliability level higher than 95% at 100 N, while a decrease in reliability was observed at 150 N. The Weibull modulus and characteristic resistance exhibited no significant differences between the groups. The β mean values (control = 0.66, test = 0.33) indicated that failures were dictated by material strength. The SEM revealed an abutment and implant body fracture, characterized by fracture initiation on the lingual surface that subsequently propagated to the opposing buccal side. In the context of non-axial loading, the test group exhibited a higher concentration of tensile strain in the cervical region (152.05 μs), while the control group exhibited a predominance of compression strain (-800.00 μs).

CONCLUSIONS: The macrogeometry of dental implants did not influence the failure mode and probability of survival, but modified the strain distribution of the implant-abutment set.

PMID:40658872 | DOI:10.17219/dmp/174298

Dent Med Probl. 2025 May-Jun;62(3):521-526. doi: 10.17219/dmp/166408.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Root resorption (RR) is usually a consequence of dental trauma, pulpal infection, primary occlusal pressure, or orthodontic tooth movement, leading to the loss of anatomical root formation. As a result of apical RR, the apical constriction is destroyed, and the determination of the working length (WL) may become difficult.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of 4 different electronic apex locators (EALs) – ProPex® II, Propex Pixi®, DentaPort ZX, and DTE DPEX V – in the determination of WL in teeth with natural apical RR in the presence of different irrigation solutions (ISs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 36 teeth with natural apical RR were included in the study. The actual length (AL) was determined under a stereomicroscope at ×15 magnification. Afterward, the electronic length (EL) was established by using 4 different EALs in the presence of different ISs. The ISs used in the measurements were freshly prepared, and 6 groups were organized based on the solution used. The control group was marked as group 1. For groups 2-6, 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2.5% NaOCl, saline, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were used, respectively. After each measurement, the roots were washed with 5 mL of distilled water and dried with paper points before the same teeth were used in the subsequent group. The absolute length was subtracted from EL for each tooth to calculate the difference. The data was analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: For each device, there were no significant differences in the success rates between the ISs used. In group 1, there were no significant differences among the 4 EALs. In group 2, DentaPort ZX was significantly more successful than DTE DPEX V (p = 0.037). There were no significant differences among EALs in groups 3-6.

CONCLUSIONS: The difference between DentaPort ZX and DTE DPEX V was statistically significant in group 2 (1% NaOCl).

PMID:40658871 | DOI:10.17219/dmp/166408

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Jul 22;122(29):e2502691122. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2502691122. Epub 2025 Jul 14.

ABSTRACT

Evaluating species’ roles in food webs is critical for advancing ecological theories on competition, coexistence, and biodiversity but is complicated by pronounced dietary variability within species and overlap across species. We combined dietary DNA metabarcoding, GPS tracking, and a machine-learning algorithm to cluster and compare dietary profiles within and among five migratory large-herbivore species from Yellowstone National Park. Interspecific niche partitioning was weak, but statistically significant (PERMANOVA: pseudo-F_4,498 = 14.7, R² = 0.11, P ≤ 0.001), such that some diet profiles from different species were as similar as those from within one species. Instead of affirming species’ identity as a primary determinant of diet composition, we found three statistically different clusters of diet profiles-one concentrated on graminoids and forbs, another on forbs and deciduous shrubs, and a third on gymnosperms-each including samples from all herbivore species. Clusters did not reflect traditional diet classification schemes such as the grazer-browser continuum that is often used to distinguish species by percent grass consumption or use of grassland habitat in African savannas. Instead, clusters in Yellowstone reflected seasonal dietary variation within species that often equaled or exceeded niche differences between species, contributing to our growing understanding of why environmental variability may favor generalist foraging strategies at temperate latitudes, whereas specialized grazer and browser guilds appear to predominate in tropical savannas. Data-driven strategies that untangle complex trophic networks without relying on a priori groupings can offer new insights into wildlife diets, with potential applications in resource management and environmental monitoring.

PMID:40658848 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2502691122

J Leg Med. 2025 Jul 14:1-13. doi: 10.1080/01947648.2025.2524668. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Medical-legal partnerships (MLP) improve the ability of healthcare professionals to address patients’ socioeconomic concerns. The Finger Lakes Legal Care Project (FLLC) is an MLP of LawNY, a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal assistance in western New York. This study aimed to assess for changes in self-reported health outcomes following receipt of legal aid.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who received legal assistance through the FLLC Project were administered the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12) at the outset and conclusion of legal intervention. Demographic information was collected. Survey responses were analyzed using paired t-tests.

RESULTS: Four hundred and eight participants with an average age of 49 years completed the pre-legal intervention survey and 123 individuals completed the survey post legal intervention. The majority of participants were White, non-Hispanic (36%) or African American (31.3%). There were statistically significant differences in the mean scores of two of the SF-12 questions. Participants reported that their health was less likely to limit their ability to perform regular activities (p = .037) and they felt “calm and peaceful” more frequently (p = .032) following legal aid.

CONCLUSIONS: Standardized surveys in conjunction with qualitative measures are needed to assess the efficacy of MLP models and establish a framework for emerging MLPs.

PMID:40658806 | DOI:10.1080/01947648.2025.2524668

Hepatol Commun. 2025 Jul 14;9(8):e0734. doi: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000734. eCollection 2025 Aug 1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Alcohol associated liver disease (ALD) is a common condition that is a significant global cause of morbidity and mortality. Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of adverse outcomes in other types of steatotic liver disease. This retrospective study sought to explore the relationship between ALD and DM.

METHODS: The Worldwide Alcohol-related Liver Disease Outcomes (WALDO) study is an international multicenter cohort of patients with biopsy-proven ALD. The presence of DM at baseline or during follow-up was noted. Clinical events after index biopsy were noted, including death and liver-associated clinical events (LACE). Risks for adverse outcomes were assessed with Cox proportional hazard models with DM as a time-dependent variable to reflect periods of time without or with diabetes. All analyses were done in R.

RESULTS: In total, 712 patients with a median age of 52 years were followed up for a median of 4.8 years (IQR: 1.2-9.5). At baseline, DM was present in 113 patients (15.9%), and a further 56 patients (7.8%) developed DM in follow-up. During follow-up, 113 patients developed LACE. One hundred fifty-two patients died from liver disease, and 46 underwent liver transplantation. DM was significantly associated with liver-related mortality (HR: 1.77, 1.15-2.73, p=0.009) and incident LACE (HR: 1.90, 1.23-2.95, p=0.004). In multivariable analysis, DM remained significantly associated with liver-related mortality (HR=1.79, 1.30-2.48, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: DM is a frequent comorbidity in persons with ALD and is associated with a higher risk of liver-related mortality. Patients’ diabetic status should be an important consideration for clinicians treating people with ALD.

PMID:40658799 | DOI:10.1097/HC9.0000000000000734